Automotive Brake Shims Market Size Analysis - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook Report (2025-2034)

The global automotive brake shims market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.80% during the period 2025-2034.

The Global Automotive Brake Shims Market Likely to be Driven by Growing Demand for Less Braking Noise in Vehicles, Increased Use of Disc Braking Systems, and Increasing Demand for Luxury Vehicles, Electric Vehicles and SUVs

These days, most vehicles carry disc braking systems. Whereas in the past, brake noise dampening was primarily an issue in the luxury car segment, today's buyers expect even low-cost cars, SUVs, and small trucks to provide a peaceful ride. As a result, manufacturers are boosting acoustic standards throughout their fleets. There is resultant decreased tolerance for braking noise. Thus, growing demand and use of disc brakes is likely to drive the automotive brake shims market.

The chief function of brake shims is reducing brake noise in vehicles, and the rising demand for low-noise disc brakes in vehicles would be a key factor for market growth. The growth of the automobile industry, especially increased demand for luxury vehicles, electric vehicles and SUVs, would also boost the brake shims market.

Modern day last-mile delivery fleets increasingly demand better quality brake pads and shims. To meet this demand, PFC Brakes introduced the 2175.20 Carbon Metallic Brake Pad in 2021. The brake pad, among other specifications, had temperature resistant shims to provide a barrier to noise and vibration. Therefore, vehicles deployed in the last leg of supply chain operations are also expected to be a major source of demand for better quality brake shims.

North America, Europe and Asia Pacific are expected to be key markets.

Automotive brake shims are used in disc braking systems to reduce the amount of noise generated by the disc when it stops the wheel hub from moving. All types of vehicles, including two-wheelers, cars, and commercial vehicles, employ automotive brake shims. In the wheel hub, automotive disc brakes can be mounted on the front, back, or both sides. Automotive brake shims are a component that is attached to the friction pad backing plate and serves as a multifunction noise control device. In motorcycles, brake shims help maintain alignment as well as decrease noise. Majority of motorcycle brake shims are made of stick-on rubber and not titanium. This is because motorcycles generate less heat as compared to cars. These rubber brake shims reduce noise and vibration, and offer a more pleasant ride. Further, they increase safety by helping in the prevention of overheating of brake pistons.

Lately, high-quality brake shims composed of innovative technological materials or various grades of metals, such as viscoelastic polymers/bonding materials, elastomeric rubbers, and fibreglass have come to be objects of manufacturers’ focus. For example, Trelleborg Damping Solutions produces a variety of noise damping shims / insulators that are employed when thermal, chemical, and mechanical stress resistance is required. This is complemented with exceptional sound dampening, sealing, vibration insulation, compressibility, and bonding capabilities. The materials comprise different layers of rubber, carbon steel, stainless steel, fibre glass, cold pressure adhesives, acrylic or silicone based, and hot sensitive glues.

While relatively high installation costs may restrict the market, several car manufacturers offer disc brakes in the front wheels and drum brakes in the rear wheel. The adoption of this combination may be used to reduce cost, and is expected to sustain the market.

Automotive Brake Shims Meaning and Global Market Segmentation

The primary purpose of brake pad shims is to reduce braking noise. Brake pads and brake rotors (or drums) are quite close to each other at each corner of a vehicle. The brake shim keeps them from colliding. The brake pad shim is a component that sits between the calipers and the brake pads to prevent friction.

By material type, the market is segmented into:

• Metal
• Rubber
• Others

By vehicle type, the market is classified according to:

• Motorcycles
• Passenger Cars
• Commercial Vehicles

By market type, the market is segmented into:

• OEM
• Aftermarket

By region, the market is classified into:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Key Industry Players in the Global Automotive Brake Shims Market

The report presents a detailed analysis of the following key players in the industry, looking into their capacity, and latest developments like capacity expansions, plant turnarounds, and mergers and acquisitions:

• Stanztechnik Schulte GmbH
• Trelleborg AB
• Brickham Stamping Company, Inc.
• Meneta Group
• Others

The report gives an in-depth insight into the industry by providing a SWOT analysis as well as an analysis of Porter’s Five Forces model.